Three Kings Parade to Bring Magic to Villajoyosa with New Route and Festive Highlights

Villajoyosa / 2 January 2026

One of the most magical nights of the year for children and adults alike is fast approaching, as Villajoyosa prepares to welcome the Three Wise Men with its traditional Three Kings Parade, taking place on Sunday 5 January at 6.30pm. This year’s event will feature several new elements, including a revised parade route and special greetings from key landmarks around the town.

For 2026, the parade will follow a new route, starting from Plaza de la Generalitat, continuing along Avenida País Valencià and Barranquet, and concluding at Parque de la Barbera. One of the highlights will be the greeting from Their Majesties from the Torreón de la Costera la Mar, adding an extra touch of excitement ahead of the main procession.

Organised by the Department of Festivals, the parade will involve more than 400 participants and will be led by the Royal Ambassador, who will announce the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar to the town. The procession will also include heralds, Herod, the Royal Postman, standard bearers, royal pages and a representation of the town of Bethlehem.

Music and dance will play a central role in the celebrations, with performances by the Societat Ateneu Musical, Agrupación Musical Mediterráneo, the folk group Els Valerios, and the Centener and Almadrava dance groups. Dance displays will also be provided by local ballet schools Danza Evi Ruiz, Tribalia Danza and Yabai Dance Studio, as well as members of the La Vila Joiosa Rhythmic Gymnastics Club.

The parade also benefits from the collaboration of local cultural associations, including the Moors and Christians companies Artilleria de l’Islam and Llauradors, holders of the two reigns this year, along with the Santa Marta Association.

This year’s Three Kings will be portrayed by prominent local representatives:

• King Melchior – Juan Lloret, Moorish King 2026 from Artilleria de l’Islam
• King Gaspar – Marta Llinares, Christian Queen 2026 from Llauradors
• King Balthazar – Cristóbal, a local resident

On arrival at La Barbera, Their Majesties will greet the public from the balconies of the house-museum before meeting children in the magical gardens of the estate.

Councillor for Festivals Jaime Santamaría explained that “this year’s Three Kings Parade includes several new features, such as a change of route and additional surprises for children.” He highlighted that emissaries of the Three Kings will greet families from the Torreón de la Costera la Mar before the parade begins at 6.00pm.

The Three Wise Men will also visit La Cala, where a royal parade, organised in collaboration with Finestrat Town Council, will start at 6.00pm from Avenida Marina Baixa, continuing along Avenida Mariners de la Vila and ending at Avenida Rosa dels Vents.

Additional Festive Activities

The Christmas celebrations continue throughout the weekend. On 3 January at 5.00pm, the Royal Postman will arrive, departing from the Santa Marta Hospital-Asylum and travelling to La Barbera, where children will be able to hand over their letters and wishes. The Royal Camp will also be open to visitors, offering surprises for the whole family.

The Royal Camp at La Barbera will be open again on 4 January from 6.00pm.

In addition, La Barbera will host the Roman historical re-enactment FESTUM ALONIS, featuring an Augustan-era military camp on 3 and 4 January, open from 11.00am to 1.30pm.